The Smartest Reason for Correct Valve Clearances! (by Craig Kirkman)

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Hi guys I just wanted to Introduce to you my other Channel "Kirkman's Academy" - which i'm just getting started. It's a go-to channel for simple explanations for hard to grasp subjects such as physics, maths and chemistry etc. Here is the link: www.youtube.com/@kirkmansacademy/videos . Thank you so much for looking, and if these topics interest you then I hope to see you the there. Many thanks indeed. Craig 😊👍

[@rjpaniergo1867]

so for excessesive push on the valve spring (no clearance + extra push) can cause overheating resulting on lean sparkplug reading?

[@vinuyajohn719]

Hi is it good to have a 0.05mm intake and 0.06mm exhaust valve clearance for 125cc pushrod engine?

[@-infinity0infinity61]

excellent! how many people now have a clear understanding now as to why they set the clearances. thanks

[@petepete3389]

Hands down the best four-stroke video I have ever seen.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate it. Craig 👍👍👍

[@BikeGuy415]

Really appreciate this explanation

[@tommyc9237]

Plenty of videos out there about HOW but this is great to explain WHY. I'm about to adjust the valve clearance on an old Mercedes diesel which I realize is different mechanically but much of this absolutely applies. Well done.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback and good luck with your Mercedes Diesel valve clearance adjustment. Craig 👍

[@TheVTRainMan]

Nice demonstration and explanation. I had a rough understanding of the importance of valve clearances. But, this cleared up a lot of my un-educated guessing as to what exactly was happening. I am nearly certain valve clearance issues are causing rough start and performance issues on my lawn tractor.

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Craig another well put together video. A very thorough explanation of how the valve train functions. Thank you for sharing. 👍

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thanks so much Artie. Craig

[@inline4forlife]

Never knew it was such a delicately balanced system in a sense, you explained it so clearly. Cheers pal

[@Garrus_Vakarian_N7]

Man.. this is genosity. You could be a proffesor ;D

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much. Craig

[@sorusty5764]

Very nice thats why time to time my motorcycle exhaust note sounds different than the last time we check the clearances... and the engines response too

[@matthewisaacs5307]

Loved the clarity and detail, and as a DIY unschooled mechanic, I learned some good points. Since learning about it, I have been setting my valves as near to "zero-lash" as possible always allowing for pushrod rotation when valve fully closed

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed my video on 4-stroke valve clatter/lash and found it helpful for your mechanic endeavors! It's fantastic that you've taken an interest in setting your valves and striving for a "zero-lash" adjustment. Indeed, paying attention to the finer details like allowing for pushrod rotation when the valve is fully closed can make a significant difference in how your engine performs. It's all about achieving that optimal valve clearance to ensure efficient combustion and minimize noise. Keep up the great work, and if you ever have more questions or need further advice on any DIY mechanical tasks, feel free to reach out. Learning and hands-on experience are key in this field, and your dedication is truly commendable! Thanks again Craig

[@GuysPlayingWithTools]

Nice video. The cutaway motor is a great tool to show this

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thanks 👍

[@georgio3674]

Perfect explanation. 🙏 I’m glad I stumbled upon your channel

[@03flhtcui]

Seriously…this Gentleman’s channel is the best of KZbin.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Wow. Thank you. I really appreciate your kind feedback. Craig 👍👍👍👍

[@marcmyers1465]

Excellent Dissertation ! Well Done, Sir !!! 🤓👍

[@pier-olivierperreault231]

Thank you ! It explain very whell why I have to check my valve clearence often on my motorcycles !

[@paulkennedy5822]

Learned a lot as I always do when I watch your videos. I feel that you are the best at explaining the basis function as well as the nuances of small engines. Thank you

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you. I really appreciate your kind and thoughtful comment. Craig 👍👍👍👍

[@tractioncontroldelete]

Best explanation on KZbin! Bravo

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Wow, thanks!

[@wtfman5313]

Very thorough guide! Excellent video!

[@FosterGoat]

Best explanation I have ever seen!

[@thromboid]

As one wag once said concerning valve clearances, "I'd rather hear 'em than smell 'em"!

[@pauljanssen7594]

I prefer to adjust them at the correct clearance so things aren't slapping around.

[@MartinPowell-e3p]

I UNDERSTAND THE WORKINGS OF THE VALVES MUCH BETTER NOW,THANKS TO YOUR BRILLIANT AND INFORMATIVE VIDEO,THANK YOU.

[@RyanHodge-hl4bz]

I genuinely appreciate you good sir. I am a duck in the desert messing with my sons gocart. This was a real blessing keep up with the spreading of knowledge!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much 👍👍👍

[@sebinasia]

Brilliantly explained - thank you!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

You're very welcome! Thank you. Craig

[@partida_sportiva]

That is correct. All parts clearances play an important role..❤

[@taguanskorch178]

Your the best! Thank you for your teachings!

[@roybatty2030]

Never realised how many factors in play here. Excellent video, thanks! Will check my lawnmower tapers now…

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you 👍👍👍

[@davidjones8680]

What a brilliant and easy to understand explanation, top job! Liked and subscribed.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Awesome, thank you so much for your kind feedback. I really appreciate it. Craig

[@EricHaninga]

You got a subscriber. Cool explanation 💯

[@CarolinaReaperr]

Liked, commented and subscribed!! Thank you for the information in such a simple strait forward format. Would love to see a more in depth symptom video from you!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much for your kind and motivating comment. Craig 👍👍👍

[@derickmorgan6164]

That lecture has been so helpful to me

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you 👍👍

[@BillDickert]

I find your information very clear and understandable. Thank you..

[@playmaker7094]

slow and gets to the point very easilly, woow! great content

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you 👍

[@00748040]

Superb, I have learn a lot here ,You explain this very carefully with very specific technical information wording, This will remain with me forever. Thank you very much, specially for your time to do such good informative video. It's has help me a lots. Thank you 😊.

[@BjornFSE]

Great visual explanation

[@Mega3P1Kness]

Beautiful demonstration thank you

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much 👍👍👍👍

[@pauloguevara8646]

Really complete and clear explanation

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you 👍👍👍

[@ISAACSACKEYEAGLES]

Thanks very much, I was struggling with my tappets gaps ,but thank you because you explained practically and vividly 🎉❤

[@TouchofDepth]

Thank you so much for explaining, your way of teaching makes so much sense even for my dense head. Cheers

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

You're very welcome! Thank you for your feedback. Craig 👍👍👍

[@mariobulut7475]

svaka cast...odlicno brutalno objasnjeno...

[@tomsheets6399]

I learned a lot by this video. Thank you for the clear explanation.

[@austinansell1149]

I'm someone who doesn't know much about engine but plan to rebuild 2t dirt bike down the road and want to build a mini bike with a predator engine. This video cleared up confusion and questions for sure. Great video

[@chaosloveBronson]

Visuals are awesome. TY

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much 👍👍👍

[@netdoctor1]

Excellent demonstration. Thank you for sharing!!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

You are welcome! Thank you

[@georgenicholas4700]

Dam... I did t know of anything about valves and engine, but now I sure do know thanks professor you did great

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much. Craig

[@fullthrottle2008]

Great vid! Clearances shown look like the actual settings for the exhaust valve on my re Himalayan 411 😅

[@michaelcscott1985]

Great explanation. Thank you.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

You are welcome! Thank you 👍👍

[@chabat124]

Great visual explanation!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Than you so much 👍

[@ivanreyneke7573]

Thank you so much for your super informative videos. Really very helpfull. Learning so much.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

You are so welcome! Thank you. Craig 👍

[@suleimanchoonka9280]

Best video I found

[@jonhmarplaza8972]

excellent explanation thank you

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

You are welcome! Thank you 👍👍👍

[@ardoughman1323]

Than you very much for this very informative technical video. Appreciated a lot. 👍👍👍

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

So nice of you. Thank you. Craig

[@Sugrshane]

Awesome video!! Thanks for your time and knowledge!!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much for your kind feedback. Craig 👍👍

[@RamGaneshapillai-uq6ld]

Well explained, keep up the good work. Clearly spoken, very well presented. Good Luck, Be Happy.

[@coriscotupi]

Clear, concise information. Well done, sir. Liked, subscribed.

[@Cpt_bike_riders]

Great explanation, very understanding

[@jerwinfishingvlogtv]

Thanks for explanation❤❤❤

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much 👍👍👍

[@hellohello8556]

Quality content thankyou.👍

[@ernstkaisuma-rf8ch]

Thanks brother it's very helpful to watch this

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Always welcome

[@shanks9362]

Thank you! much easier to understand.

[@alistairbernard9574]

Very Enlightening Indeed. How much we take things for Granted. Just Finishing off some work on my 1970 Cortina Mk2 1600 so will definitely look into this area. The engine though is done only about 4000kms since a full overhaul.

[@PeterDiCapua]

Thank you for teaching us and making a cutaway so we all understand. Sub'd

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Awesome, I’m really pleased you like it. Thank you 👍👍👍👍

[@NebulaM57]

Very well done sir!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you! Cheers!👍

[@jesussantibanez6711]

Thanks for sharing very interesting video greetings from mexico

[@crappieman11]

Great content love your channel

[@Abdallah86F]

So great explanation Thank you so much 🙏

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

You're most welcome. Thank you

[@leroydannel5717]

Very good info thank you

[@EngineLover17]

THE BEST EXPLANATION

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you for your kind feedback. Craig

[@jack8356]

Thanks for you video i really like them

[@khalidboulaajoul8399]

Very nice explication

[@thamimbasha4140]

Thank you 🙏 sir from India

[@m1421]

Brilliant video.

[@JovianStone_]

Great video!

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you

[@thisisyourcaptainspeaking2259]

And there's a huge slice taken out of the cylinder wall, leading to low compression.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

😂👍

[@netdoctor1]

I'd be interested in seeing the leak-down test results...

[@theknowledgewithin6514]

Great Video Thanks 👌

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

My pleasure! Thank you. Craig

[@Bjs20247]

Thanks. Very helpful

[@mkostrubiec205]

Good one thanks

[@remyassier1758]

great video thanks

[@cletuskaunda5665]

Good work

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you so much 😀

[@tommysmith7701]

GREAT MATE THANK YOU

[@kidkidu2]

One thing about the exhaust valve opening earlier to swirl in air. The exploded gasses are still expanding. When the exhaust is opened, it is done so that the burnt gasses wouldn't push back on the piston creating resistance on the exhaust stroke. The moment the valve is opened, burnt gasses that are still expanding rush out trough the valve opening (and create the exhaust sound). I don't think air could have a chance at entering the cylinder - at least from my knowledge.

[@pipedreams57]

I find that the toughest part is determining what stroke the engine is on when the flywheel is not marked, so I pull the spark plug and put a screwdriver in the hole and crank the engine until the piston tops out and screwdriver is at its highest point. Both valves are all the way up or in closed position. Then I check clearances with a feeler gauge. On a 9.5 Kohler they say .005 for intake and .007 for exhaust on a cold engine. Does this sound right to you. The engine really gets hot during continuous log splitting operation and smells hot sometimes. I think it needs better cooling system myself as well as a hydraulic oil cooler. I run 30 weight HD motor oil above 60 degrees F and 15w40 Rotella below 60 down to about 35 F. Anything colder gets full synthetic 10w30. The manual also says to ALWAYS run at full throttle. It's a screaming beast of a wood splitter.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Hey there! Your method of determining the stroke of the engine sounds resourceful-using a screwdriver to gauge the piston's highest point and checking the valve clearances with a feeler gauge is a great way to ensure everything's in sync. Regarding the Kohler 9.5, those clearances (.005 for intake and .007 for exhaust on a cold engine) seem pretty standard for that model. It's crucial to maintain these clearances for optimal engine performance. It's interesting that the engine heats up significantly during continuous log splitting operations. Improving the cooling system sounds like a smart move, especially considering the demanding nature of the work it's handling. Additionally, the idea of adding a hydraulic oil cooler might help with temperature regulation, ensuring smoother operation during those intense splitting sessions. Your approach to using different oils based on temperature variations is quite thoughtful. It's essential to adapt the oil viscosity to the ambient temperature, and your choice of motor oil seems well-suited to the engine's needs. Ah, the manual's advice to always run at full throttle! That certainly paints a vivid picture of your wood splitter as a real powerhouse. It's impressive how it operates at maximum capacity, showcasing its true beastly nature. Your hands-on approach and attention to detail are commendable. If there's anything else you're curious about or need further assistance with, feel free to reach out. Wishing you continued success in taming that beastly wood splitter! Thank for sharing your info Craig

[@pipedreams57]

Something else that is notable: It the engine runs out of fuel and dies when the ram is in the up stroke the engine will not start until the lever is put in the center or unloaded position. Owners manuls don't tell you this. Also I finally got spec sheet from Kohler on that valve clearance. It is .003 to .005 for BOTH the intake and exhaust valve. Every shop I called had different numbers here,....the ding bats. I reset both to .004 and it starts and runs much better now and I don't usually have to use the choke any more. Saweeeet. Remember you have a 4 stroke cycle going on and make sure you adjust valve clearance at TDC on the compression stroke. With plug out it is easy to tell. Put finger or thumb in plug hole. You get suction then compression which pushes your finger off the plug hole. TDC or a couple degrees after TDC on COMPRESSION stroke is what you want. Sweet & simple. @@TheRepairSpecialist

[@00748040]

0.08 intake, 0.1 exhaust

[@autonomous_collective]

Well done...

[@tackfarinaszeus57]

Thanks

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

You are welcome 👍

[@randomvideosontheinternet6850]

Thank you for tgis informative video

[@DimitrisTsoykalas]

Hello ,a question if you have time ofcource. Talking for a motorcycle (yamaha crypton T110) that having lets say 3rd ,4th gear and going with no throttle downhill then (always) hearing/happening burn fuel at exchaust (lets say every 10 seconds etc) So my question is ,,,suppose that carburator is fine(that maybe is not) Is it possible that incorrection adjustment ( or damage) in valves is provoking this chap of noise ?(that propably also make loose fuel more than it needs-not burned correctly fuels) Thank you in advance,

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Hi there! Naturally, I'm pleased to assist you with your Yamaha Crypton T110 question. It's excellent that you're observing your motorcycle's sounds and behaviours. Although the issue may have something to do with the valves based on what you've mentioned, it's important to take other things into account as well. Incorrect valve adjustment or damage may be the cause of the noise you're hearing and inefficient fuel burning, but it's also a good idea to check other parts like the air filter, spark plugs, and ignition timing. All of these may have an impact on your motorcycle's overall performance and how well the engine burns fuel. To ensure an accurate diagnosis, it could be a good idea to get the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about the issue. Please don't hesitate to inquire if you need help or have any further questions. Enjoy your ride! Thanks Craig

[@DimitrisTsoykalas]

@@TheRepairSpecialist Thank you very very much. I ve just asked to be ready to face some strange engineers that even they dont know directly or even they just want my few money.Thats why,,,OK,,,i will check them as you ve said...Thank you for your video-lessons !!! Jim,,greedings from Athens(greece) PS..i like that noise because its making feel as Colin mcray coming to a corner !!(heheh) ..but i must correct it sometime !

[@bushboystudios7251]

THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

No problem! Thank you for your feedback. Craig

[@GaldinoMeta]

Indeed I gain knowledge in this video

[@diversionbob8482]

@3:58 With the pressure in the cylinder there can't be any air flow into the cylinder when the exhaust valve opens can there?

[@abrahamIIImari]

thanks brother!

[@ChronoTango]

It’s not that the valve will begin to close too soon, it’s that there’s less distance for it to travel now, so it closes sooner. Opens later, closes sooner, valve still opens and closes as per the profile of the cam. A minor gripe, but I think an important distinction. Great video, I think it breaks down the basics very well!

[@shempuhorn8261]

Fantastic.

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@teop7019]

Perfect video!!!!

[@efrahaimrn]

is there a computation to determine the proper gap for any engine with the same mechanism?

[@mora103]

My explanation usually consists of it just is, or it just does 😂 It takes a lot of effort to learn this trait and a lot more to teach it or explain it to others 😅 you did a great job though 👏👍

[@theazshow7327]

Hello, thanks for the explanation, I have hydraulic lifters, but the valves remain open, I know tha gap you showed there is the problem, but since I have hydraulic lifters I don't know how to solve the problem, could the valves be too long? Or maybe the rocker arms?

[@reubenblessing8940]

Helpful

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

Thank you 👍

[@iaespinosah76]

Thank you

[@TheRepairSpecialist]

You're welcome

[@pauljanssen7594]

You have to mention how the cam grind is designed to open up the valve at the right angle of the camshaft design and closing. That way you're not beating up your valve train or burning up the valves.